1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means
… an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—
James Gleick
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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural
They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of alchemy
Multidisciplinary artist-designer Samuel Ross and The Balvenie present Transposition, an immersive installation reimagining whisky’s alchemy through material, sound and light at Milan Design Week 2025.
—Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Brian Wilson, John Cusack on the alchemy of ‘Love and Mercy’
With the enigmatic musical genius who wrote some of rock’s most beautiful songs seated on the Music Box Theatre stage, a fan rambled into a microphone trying to convey how much Brian Wilson’s music meant to him.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Yes, this whole swirling, bizarre night was on the verge of alchemy.
—Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
That so few of these adaptations have succeeded speaks to the unique alchemy of timing, talent, and resources that have made Michaels’s original such an unlikely cultural phenomenon.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Nargess Banks, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Brian Wilson, John Cusack on the alchemy of ‘Love and Mercy’
With the enigmatic musical genius who wrote some of rock’s most beautiful songs seated on the Music Box Theatre stage, a fan rambled into a microphone trying to convey how much Brian Wilson’s music meant to him.
—Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Yes, this whole swirling, bizarre night was on the verge of alchemy.
—Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
That so few of these adaptations have succeeded speaks to the unique alchemy of timing, talent, and resources that have made Michaels’s original such an unlikely cultural phenomenon.
—Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
Noun
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In modern pop culture, vampires have strayed away from occultism and are often depicted through a Christian lens, being repelled by crucifixes and sunlight.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
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Mysticism and occultism spread rapidly in the dying days of the Russian empire.—
Anne Applebaum,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2025
Noun
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His experience could bring more leadership to a team yearning to replicate the magic of its championship-winning 2023-24 season.—
Andy Theobald,
Kansas City Star,
29 June 2025
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After considering hundreds of nominations from our readers and contributors, our editors whittled those down to this year’s magic 10.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Both ancient and modern pieces are curated into exhibits about sorcery, motherhood, or high-fashion gowns.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
17 Apr. 2025
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His putting is and will always be capable of sorcery.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Aimed at preschoolers, the series follows a young girl learning the ropes of witchcraft with the help of her magical pets and a supportive community.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
7 June 2025
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Created with rotoscope animation, Dog of God is set in the 17th century and focuses on a woman accused of witchcraft and how her trial uncovers the existence of a werewolf.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
3 June 2025
Noun
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However, his short game wizardry could help him plenty at Oakmont, which is wreaking havoc on some of the best in the world around the greens.—
Troy Finnegan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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Wayne’s praise McDavid assisted on five of Edmonton’s first eight goals to open the Stanley Cup Final and his wizardry was on full display while setting Draisaitl up for the 3-2 goal in Game 2.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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